Katheryn Ann (Solberg) Mccoy

Katheryn Ann Solberg McCoy, aged 84, passed away suddenly on November 11, 2023 in her home in Austin Texas.

She was the 2nd child born to Joseph Odell Solberg and Julia Edna Golden Solberg (after brother Ray Kenneth) in Norse, Texas on April 5, 1939. They grew up on their family farm just outside of Clifton, Texas. Katheryn attended Clifton schools and graduated Clifton High School enjoying time in the Band as well as Cheerleading. She always cherished her many friends and family in this small community. She attended Texas Lutheran College in Sequin, TX where she met Jarell Vernon McCoy of Corpus Christi, TX. They married on November 28, 1958, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at Norse, the same church as many generations of her Norwegian-American relatives were wed. In 1961 Jerry was inducted into the Air Force, and they moved 28 times in 20 years to places such as Korea, South Dakota, Florida, and Hawaii. Katheryn worked in financial institutions and with a GS rating worked on military bases. Two sons were born: Joseph Vance McCoy in 1973 and Jameson Van McCoy in 1976. They moved back to Texas for their last military assignment in Austin for Bergstrom AFB and UT before retiring in 1981.

A family business began in the 1970s by making jewelry and selling at various arts & crafts markets and shows. Kathy would create beautiful strung necklaces and earrings while Jerry would hand-make rings, pendants, and sculptures, all while Jerry took jobs in computer and high-tech into the 1980s. They opened their store McCoy Jewelcraft in 1988 in NW Austin which became a local hub for repairs, custom orders, and hand made items. Sons Joey and Jamey also worked in the store, making it a full family business for 34 years. It closed down in 2022 during the Covid pandemic years. Though the store closed, Katheryn cherished the time she could now spend with her family at home. She was preceded in death by her mother Julia (1999), father Joseph (2001), brother Kenneth (2018), and youngest son, Jameson (2021). She is survived by her husband Jarell and son Joseph.

Katheryn was a fiery protector to those she loved, never afraid to speak her mind. Her sharp mind and kind heart were appreciated by so many people from family, friends, customers, and even strangers. She loved to travel and saw the world as a beautifully interconnected place, and all people as the same. She will be greatly missed.